Hands on experience is the best way to learn. For example when learning a second language is most efficient to have total emersion into the culture. This principle forcing you to work on every facet of that language until you are fluent. It is the same with veterinary medicine. Hands on experience and putting into practice the concepts were are learning in the classroom solidify them and allow for perminant retention throughout our careers. It is also important to get this experience while under the supervision of a licensed professional (the practicing veterinarian and or professor). 

It is also essential to have these experieces earlier in your career to build confidence and understanding as well as taking responsibility for your actions what ever the outcome. The hands on experiences that I have had are the occations that I remember the longest.